The 97th Academy Awards delivered a night of surprise victories, emotional speeches, and memorable Hollywood moments, as the indie drama Anora dominated the evening, securing five major awards including Best Picture, while Zoe Saldaña captivated hearts with an unforgettable acceptance speech.

Conan O’Brien, famed for his quick wit and irreverent humor, returned triumphantly to host Hollywood’s most prestigious event, held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

O’Brien’s comedic timing kept the audience entertained throughout a ceremony filled with unexpected twists and deeply moving moments.

From the onset, the night belonged unmistakably to Anora, the independent masterpiece directed by Sean Baker, a filmmaker renowned for his compelling narratives and strikingly realistic style.

Anora earned critical acclaim upon release, with audiences and critics praising its poignant storytelling and emotional depth.

The film garnered a remarkable five Oscars, winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and earning a Best Actress award for rising star Mikey Madison.

Madison’s heartfelt portrayal marked a turning point in her career, establishing her firmly among Hollywood’s elite talent.

Her emotional acceptance speech moved many to tears, as she expressed profound gratitude toward director Sean Baker for entrusting her with such a transformative role.

Sean Baker, celebrated for his groundbreaking work in indie cinema, received the Best Director award from none other than legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino.

Tarantino, who rarely makes public appearances at award ceremonies, praised Baker’s unique vision and courageous storytelling.

Baker, visibly moved, dedicated his Oscar to aspiring filmmakers, encouraging the next generation of artists to embrace authenticity and boldness in storytelling.

“Cinema needs brave voices now more than ever,” Baker passionately declared, earning a standing ovation from peers and industry icons alike.

Adrien Brody added another remarkable milestone to his illustrious career by winning his second Best Actor Oscar for his gripping performance in The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet.

Brody, previously honored for his acclaimed performance over two decades ago, reflected poignantly on his journey as an actor, highlighting how deeply his latest role resonated with him personally.

In a stirring speech, he thanked Corbet for guiding him through a challenging role that examined artistic ambition and its profound emotional costs.

Yet among the night’s standout moments, Zoe Saldaña’s triumph as Best Supporting Actress for her powerful portrayal in Emilia Pérez became one of the most talked-about highlights.

Saldaña’s win represented a deeply personal milestone for the actress, whose career has been characterized by blockbuster hits but fewer opportunities to showcase complex, emotionally layered characters.

Taking the stage in tears, she delivered an inspiring acceptance speech that resonated deeply with audiences around the globe.

“This award is for every dreamer who’s ever felt unseen,” Saldaña emotionally stated, drawing cheers and applause from fellow stars who admired her sincere vulnerability.

Despite being the most nominated film of the evening, Emilia Pérez secured just two Oscars, including Best Original Song for “El Mal,” a track that captivated audiences with its haunting melody and profound lyrics.

The film’s creative team used their acceptance moment to highlight the power of storytelling through music, before humorously being escorted offstage to laughter and applause.

Another unexpected victory came from Kieran Culkin, who won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain.

Culkin, widely celebrated for his memorable television roles, especially in the series Succession, took the opportunity to jokingly banter with fellow nominee and close friend Jeremy Strong, creating one of the ceremony’s most humorous and widely shared moments.

Culkin’s playful yet genuine speech offered a glimpse into the actor’s charismatic off-screen personality, delighting fans and fellow industry members alike.

In international cinema, the Brazilian film I’m Still Here stunned industry insiders by taking home Best International Feature, beating the highly favored Emilia Pérez from France.

This victory marked a significant moment of recognition for Brazilian cinema, underscoring the growing global appreciation for diverse and innovative international filmmaking.

The visually stunning sci-fi epic Dune: Part Two also garnered significant recognition in technical categories, capturing Oscars for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound.

Director Denis Villeneuve’s ambitious vision was praised widely for its groundbreaking visuals and immersive sound design, further solidifying Dune as a cinematic landmark.

Meanwhile, Wicked, the spectacular film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, triumphed in the artistic categories, earning Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.

Paul Tazewell notably made history as the first Black man to win Best Costume Design, using his acceptance speech to emphasize the importance of representation and to inspire future generations.

“Tonight is proof that dreams belong to everyone,” Tazewell passionately stated, receiving heartfelt applause from the Hollywood community.

In animation, the European film Flow shocked audiences by winning Best Animated Feature, edging out popular favorites like Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.

This unexpected victory highlighted the diverse storytelling present in the animated film world, as Flow captivated audiences with its unique visual style and emotional narrative depth.

Closing out the evening, the powerful documentary No Other Land, an insightful exploration of migration and human resilience, secured the award for Best Documentary Feature.

The film’s creators urged viewers to engage compassionately with global stories, reminding audiences of cinema’s profound ability to foster empathy and understanding.

The Oscars 2025 will undoubtedly remain memorable not just for the victories, but for the moments of genuine connection and emotion that transcended the traditional glitz of Hollywood.

As the industry reflects on another remarkable year, the ceremony solidified the enduring power of storytelling to inspire, provoke thought, and celebrate the human experience.